The JR Newsletter is the official e-newsletter of the John Reich Collectors Society. The purpose of the John Reich Collectors Society (JRCS) is to encourage the study of numismatics, particularly United States gold and silver coins minted before the introduction of the Seated Liberty design, and to provide technical and educational information concerning such coins.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

JRCS member Michael Sullivan gave a presentation to the Cincinnati Numismatic Society Nov. 9th titled “Establishing Your Own Collecting Goals: The MJ Sullivan 24-Coin Flowing Hair / Heraldic Eagle Dollar Set.” The initial part of the presentation focused on encouraging collectors to study their area of interest to establish their own collecting goals regardless of what other sources and publications such as PCGS Registry Sets or The Redbook may suggest constitutes a collection or set.

The presentation continued with an overview of each Early Dollar year, 1794-1803, key features, attributes, and a comparison of PCGS Major Variety Set (38 coins) , Redbook set (40 coins), and what Michael refers to as his “24-Coin Set.” This was supported with coin images and high magnification, allowing comparisons across the series, mostly supported from Michael’s personal high-grade collection.

As a simple illustration of Michael’s point, the chart below summarizes the 1802 Heraldic Eagle dollars. The PCGS and Redbook sets consist of 4 major types. However, a collector could obtain all of the key attributable features of the year with just two coins (see below) from the presentation:

Following the presentation and Q&A, Michael shared 8-coins from his collection: 1795 dollars (Silver Plug, 2-Leaf, and 3-Leaf), three 1798 dollars, and two 1802 dollars which demonstrated all of the key attributes for each of the 3-years. Hopefully, he will share this presentation again at a JRCS club meeting or a major show to our broader early coinage collector colleagues. You can view the collection online at PCGS Registry Sets.

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Second, from Matthew Bell at Legend Rare Coin Auctions:

Please find linked a press release regarding the results of our 29th Regency Auction held on the evening of Thursday, November 15th, 2018 as the official auctioneer of the PCGS Members Only Show in San Antonio, TX. For further information, please do not hesitate to email me and I will get it for you. For high-res images, please email our Art Director, Patrick Braswell, at Patrick(at)legendauctions.com. Thank you for your consideration.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

David Finkelstein and Christopher Pilliod gave a presentation at the JRCS General Meeting during the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia in August. The presentation was on the first phase of a multi-phase project to determine the chemical composition of 1794 and 1795 U. S. silver coins. Part 1 of a multi-part article series was published in the September 23, 2018 John Reich Newsletter (JRN). Part 2 was published in the October 7, 2018 JRN. Part 3 was published in the October 21, 2018 JRN. Part 4 was published in the November 4, 2018 JRN.

The authors would like to thank R. W. Julian for pointing out some inaccuracies in Section 4 of Part 4. As a result, a revised version of Part 4 is being released. Table 2, and Sections 4 and 6 have been revised. Note that the conclusions did not change.

Sunday, November 4, 2018

This week, we have contributions from David Finkelstein and David Perkins. First, from David Finkelstein:

David Finkelstein and Christopher Pilliod gave a presentation at the JRCS General Meeting during the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia in August. The presentation was on the first phase of a multi-phase project to determine the chemical composition of 1794 and 1795 U. S. silver coins. Part 1 of a multi-part article series was published in the September 23, 2018 John Reich Newsletter. Part 2 was published in the October 7, 2018 John Reich Newsletter. Part 3 was published in the October 21, 2018 John Reich Newsletter. Linked here is Part 4:

I returned from the Whitman Baltimore coin show a week ago. Whether you are a collector, dealer, or both, you should enjoy this story. It can be titled, “Wish I was there!”

A dealer friend of mine from the East Coast knows a collector of U.S. coins based in Europe. Earlier this year he met the collector in London and was able to look through the collection, mostly stored in 2X2 paper envelopes. The majority of the coins in this collection were collected and put away in the 1950s and 1960s, before grading and plastic took hold in the marketplace. In the last couple of months, the dealer met with the collector, this time in Germany, and was able to look through his bank box and purchase a second group of coins from the collection.

What is unusual is that this collector liked and collected Capped Bust Half Dollars by die marriage. And he collected them while living in Europe! I was able to purchase some of these half dollars and a few type coins in Baltimore prior to the start of the Baltimore show. In this group of CBHs there were some overdates and a number of R-4 and R-5 die marriages and die states by Overton number, “fresh” as we say today, and off the market for decades.

One of my favorites is the 1814 O-106, R-4+ graded PCGS XF45 but you can argue it should be graded more like AU50+. It has some die breaks and clashing which you can see in the photo. Another is an 1822/1 O-102, R-4+, in PCGS XF45. And while only R-2, a lovely 1817/3 half dollar in PCGS XF45, with the 3 showing prominently under the 7 in the date. And lastly for those who like late die states, an 1838 Reeded Edge 50C with shattered reverse die in PCGS XF45.

I shared the 1814 O-106 with Capped Bust Half Dollar collector and specialist Steve Herrman and was rewarded with Steve sharing with me his PCGS AU53 example of O-106a, a much later die state coin with much more clashing and some dramatic die breaks. The description for O-106a in the Overton book reads,

Rev. F-s2. There are severe die cracks. A break from rim near left wing tip divides into two main branches, the lower beak crosses leaves, top of 50 C. and arrowheads to edge near middle arrowhead. A small branch from top of C. crosses arrow points to edge above C. The other main branch crosses shield, right wing and R to edge. Still another from base of R to top of right wing curves under scroll.

1814 O-106 is rated R-4+, while the later die state (O-106a, with all the neat die breaks) is R-5. It was fun to see and compare both examples.

AU53 shown first, then the XF45:

“Wish I’d been there” pulling these half dollars and other coins out of the envelopes after 50 plus years! But I did get to see and acquire some of them.

The Baltimore show seemed a little “quieter” than past shows but was still a pretty good one for me. And as always, I enjoyed seeing and talking with the many JRCS members in attendance.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

I thank you for publishing the three parts of the discussions by David Finkelstein and Christopher Pilliod. I heard them speak in Philadelphia. It is such an exciting topic and project. I have printed all three elements sent out. The information is given in a clear, understandable format. Thank you again for your efforts!

Are there any videos that you are aware of with the two authors giving presentations on this subject?

Tim Janecke (JRCS member)

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Brad Karoleff wrote:

Here are the latest listings from the Logan Library.

1. Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837 by Logan and McCloskey. A mint copy of the reference copy for collecting the half dimes. $100.

2. The Art and Craft of Coinmaking, A History of Minting Technology by Denis R Cooper. This is a MUST addition to any serious collectors library who is interested in the minting processes from ancient to modern times. Cooper has written the BEST tome on the subject to date. Tipped in is some price research on the book, a copy of the Bolender to BB conversion table for Bust Dollars and his original sales receipt from Charles Davis for the book ($45!). This book has appreciated more than many coins! $400.

3. Akers catalogs of the John Jay Pittman Collection in 3 parts. Parts one and two are Russ' auction room copies with his notes and partially named buyers. PR are included for all three sales, the third sale being mint condition. Included are also a set of transparencies used by Russ to determine the error striking of a coin. $250.

4. 1929 original and 1964 Beebe reprint of A Register of Half Dollar Die Varieties and Sub-Varieties by M. L. Beistle. The reprint is virtually mint while the 1929 is ex: Wm. W. Harrison with bookplate and extensive notations for his collection, Included is Harrison's attempt to devise a quick finder for the marriages. $50.

5. The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dimes by Al Blythe. A near mint copy of this valuable reference signed by the author to Russ in 1992. $75.

6. The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Dimes by Brian Greer. A near mint copy of this valuable reference signed by the author to Russ in 1992. $75.

7. The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of United States Liberty Seated Quarters by Larry Briggs. A near mint copy of this valuable reference signed by the author to Russ in 1992. Included is the original sales receipt from Larry. $125.

8. The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars by Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert. A near mint copy of this valuable reference signed by both authors. There is also a sales circular included from the pre press ordering period offering a $2.95 discount. Russ obviously sent in the full amount because there is a refund check from Randall Wiley for the discount which Russ never cashed! This is a very scarce and in demand book. $400.

9. Contemporary Counterfeit Capped Bust Half Dollars by Keith Davignon, first edition limited leather bound edition by Money Tree Press. Numbered 13/25 on the bookplate autographed by Davignon with an additional note to Russ; "To Russ: Happy Hunting! The original invoice from Sheridan Downey is included showing Russ paid the pre-publication price of $125. An additional photograph is included. $150.

10. The Ultimate Guide to Attributing Bust Half Dollars by Glenn R. Peterson, MD. This is a mint condition copy of Glenn's first edition of the attributing guide. $85.

As usual please add postage to these prices. First email for each title to bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com purchases the lot. Your choice of Library Rate or Priority postage.

Sunday, October 21, 2018

David Finkelstein and Christopher Pilliod gave a presentation at the JRCS General Meeting during the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia in August. The presentation was on the first phase of a multi-phase project to determine the chemical composition of 1794 and 1795 U. S. silver coins. Part 1 of a multi-part article series was published in the September 23, 2018 John Reich Newsletter. Part 2 was published in the October 7, 2018 John Reich Newsletter. Linked here is Part 3.

Sunday, October 7, 2018

David Finkelstein and Christopher Pilliod gave a presentation at the JRCS General Meeting during the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia in August. The presentation was on the first phase of a multi-phase project to determine the chemical composition of 1794 and 1795 US silver coins. Part 1 of a multi-part article series was published in the September 23, 2018 JR Newsletter. Here is Part 2:

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity and challenge to examine over 200 Capped Bust dimes and half dimes from a group that was purchased by a dealer friend as "culls," coins which are not generally holed and usually have dates but also show either damage or rather extensive wear; as such, these are considered less numismatically desirable than examples with less wear and no damage. This treasure trove of likely unsearched Capped Bust coinage is one I would consider to be an opportunity for enjoyment and a window into the history of our coinage, rather than a scourge of trouble to be avoided. I searched the entire group for a few favorite die varieties and came up with a half dozen coins of interest to me that I purchased for a modest price. I found two examples of the fairly common 1833 JR-4 dime with the reverse die retained cud, condition challenged but identifiable at a glance. Another fun coin in this group that caught my attention was an 1831 JR-5 with a very late, retained or possibly full cud at UNI which would perhaps earn a grade of AG-3 but more likely Fair-2 given the prodigious wear on the surfaces. The cud stood tall and protected the left side of the reverse from the decades of wear and use in circulation, as one might expect, while the right side suffered greatly from extensive wear. The most interesting rarity of the group was a Fair-2 example of the rare 1820 JR-12 variety, which is off to PCGS for confirmation to see if they agree with my leap of faith attribution on such a worn coin. I did not find a much-desired example of either the 1827 JR-10 or JR-14 variety, despite several 1827 dimes included in the group. Some of the coins showed little more than the central shield on the reverse due to wear, the obverse similar with stars worn away--and were thus not attributable to die marriage. Other 1827s with less wear were of more common die pairings. I also purchased a very worn 1824/2 dime as I simply cannot resist that date without problems, even in a Fair-2 grade for the usually seen JR-1 variety of that year.

One of the most curious though otherwise insignificant coins was a quite worn 1835 dime, which some now forgotten soul inscribed in neat, cursive surface etching in the year 1888 on the obverse as if to shout out the present year is 1888, not 1835! This told me two things. First, this 1835 dime was still in circulation in 1888 and someone thought this unusual enough at the time to inscribe the current year before sending it on its way again into circulation. Oh, the stories that coin could tell from its years of circulation, if only we could listen and see beyond its simple worn designs, with the additional date inscribed some 53 years after its launch into circulation. In the end, I confirmed my belief that the designs and die work of John Reich, launched in 1807 and holding forth in production long after his decade of engraving work at the Philadelphia Mint, continued in the cigar boxes of corner merchant stores throughout our states for many generations. Today's collectors need only to look and examine the worn treasures before them to see their august truths of these coins’ journeys into our current collections.

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Finally, a new opportunity from Brad Karoleff:

Here is the latest offering of books from the Russell Logan Library.

Reduced from last month's listing:

Early US Dimes, was $250, now $200.

Bowers on Commemorative half dollars, was $40, now $35.

Pollock on Patterns, was $50, now $40.

Taraszka on Eagles, was $100, now $85.

New listings:

Liberty Seated Collectors Club Collective Volumes 1-4. A few Coin World articles tipped in by Russ. Available new from LSCC for $136. These slightly used volumes are $100 for the group.

Die Varieties of Early US Coins by Robert P. Hilt, II. A somewhat controversial work by Mr. Hilt listing his theories on the early mint and their products. Still a valuable source of information. Remy Bourne bookplate inside front cover from a Kolbe auction, near mint. $65.00.

Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of US Half Cents 1793-1857. EAC membership application included- old address! This book often comes apart as the binding is not up to the weight of the volume. This is as mint a used copy as you will find. $75.

Walter Breen's A Coiners Caviar Encyclopedia of US and Colonial Proof Coins 1722-1977. Another Breen work in nearly mint condition formerly in the Bourne Library with bookplate from the same Kolbe sale. $75.

The History of US Coinage As Illustrated by the Garrett Collection by Q. David Bowers. Another nearly Mint book. $45.

First United States Mint, It's People and Its Operations by Frank Stewart. This is the hardbound edition from 1924 with maroon cover. Some small bumps on the corners but still very nice. $45.

Two books on pattern coins of the US. Adams/Woodin 1959 reprint and 6th edition Judd. Both show wear but are very usable. The pair for $30.

Second edition of Bolender's work on the Bust Dollars. The back cover was set on something sticky at one time that removed a few SMALL pieces of the binding. Otherwise, this is a really nice condition book. $50.

Two FIRST EDITION ERROR copies of The United States Early Silver Dollars by Jules Reiver. These very scarce first editions are full of errors and the printing was stopped after a portion of the run was completed. The copies remaining at Krause were destroyed and a second edition with corrections was prepared. The corrected edition has second printing on the title page. These are both in excellent condition. One is autographed by Jules dated 3/3/1999.

The unautographed copy is $75. The autographed copy is $100.

Thanks to everyone who purchased from the first group.

As before, first email to bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com gets the book. All prices are plus postage. Please let me know if you want book rate or flat rate priority mailing when providing your shipping address.

Sunday, September 23, 2018

David Finkelstein provided us with a wonderful article for this week’s JR Newsletter.

David Finkelstein and Christopher Pilliod gave a presentation at the JRCS General Meeting during the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia in August. The presentation was on the first phase of a multi-phase project to determine the chemical composition of 1794 and 1795 US silver coins. Here is part 1 of a multi-part article series.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Jim Koenings is reminding all JRCS Members to send him their Census information for Reeded Edge Half Dollars prior to October 1, 2018.

JRCS Members may request a form to fill out by emailing Jim at bustcoin1(at)verizon.net

There are 56 known die varieties, of which 18 are rated R-4 (76 to 200 known) or rarer, including two die varieties that are one known of each. With JRCS Members’ help, we will discover which die varieties are tougher to find than others. Currently, 31 die marriages are tied for 9th and 10th place in the Preliminary Census for Reeded Edge Halves. If you own more than 16 die marriages, your census may make the Top 15.

Please email your census to bustcoin1(at)verizon.netor you can mail a hard copy to:

Jim Koenings

P.O. Box 2382

Riverside, CA 92516

The results should be posted in the December 2018 JR Journal.

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Brad Karoleff wrote:

Here are the first installments of the Logan library.

The first response to me at bkaroleff@yahoo.com will receive the book at that price plus the cost of either book rate USPS or Priority, your choice.

1. Bust Half Fever First edition with a "Logan" clear plastic cover. On the "Notes" page near the end of the book there are numerous autographs of the JRCS annual meeting at the 1995 Anaheim ANA. Many departed BHNC, JRCS members are present including Elton Dosier, Olie Carter, "Swampy", Dale Heisler, Ivan Leaman, and Ken Lowe from Money Tree. JRCS HOF members signed include Ed Price, W D Perkins, John McCloskey and Brad Karoleff. 32 autographs total including-

James Stephen George Boggs along with a hand drawn illustration of an 1833 bust half, Boggs 1-A!

Original Boggs artwork is scarce and highly desirable. $500.

2. Early US Dimes 1796-1837 by the 5 famous authors. A near mint copy of the dime attribution book from the "back" of Russ' library. $250.

3. The Norweb Collection, An American Legacy by Michael Hodder & Q David Bowers. This copy is autographed by both authors and is numbered as 34/100 so signed. A nice hardbound book in near mint condition. $75.00

4. United States Ten Dollar Gold Eagles, 1795-1804 by Anthony J. Taraszka. This is a beautiful hardbound nearly mint condition book. A limited errata is included inside the back cover. $100.

5. The Ultimate Guide to Attributing Bust Half Dollars by Glenn R. Peterson, MD. This is the spiral bound edition in near mint condition. This will serve as a wonderful working copy for any collector. Errata page is tipped in. $50.

6. Commemorative Coins of the United States, A Complete Encyclopedia by Q David Bowers. The hardbound edition Autographed to Elizabeth Gray by Bowers. A near mint copy. $40.

7. Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics by Q David Bowers. The hardbound edition signed by Bowers to Russ. Near mint condition. $40.

8. American Numismatics before the Civil War, 1760-1860. A hardbound book by Q David Bowers signed on the bookplate stating this is copy #325. Near mint condition $40.

9. The Rare Silver Dollars Dated 1804 and the Exciting Adventures of Edmund Roberts by Q David Bowers. The hardbound limited edition signed by Bowers on the bookplate in near mint condition. A tip in of a Coin World article from Russ. $40.

10. United States Patterns and Related Issues by Andrew Pollock, III. This is the current definitive work on patterns and this hardbound book is in excellent condition. Russ has tipped in a few notes and articles on items he found of interest. $50.

That's all for this week. I will be out of town the end of the month so the next installment will be the second week of October.

Please remember to send some information for publication in the next journal.

If anyone needs eyes on coins from the upcoming Legend auction in Las Vegas, I will be there. Drop me a line.

Brad Karoleff

bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com

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Please find attached a press release regarding Legend’s 28th Regency Auction, being held on September 26 and 27 in Las Vegas as the official Auction of the PCGS Member’s Show. An impressive sale is anchored by the Konstantine, Sommelier, and Hallett Collections. A list of highlights is presented in the release.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Bob Feldman wrote with a question about 1827 bust dime emission order:Topic: 1827 Dime emission orderI read on the internet that the 1827 JR14 Dime was struck after the JR1 and before the JR2. I have in my collection an 1827 JR1 Dime PCGS XF40 late die state that has a light die bulge connecting stars 1, 2 and 3 visible when tilted back and forth under light. It has the later state recutting of the digit 7. On my 1827 JR14 PCGS VG8 I can not find any die sign of a die bulge connecting the stars. This tells me the JR14 (2 known) was the first Dime pairing struck in 1827. Does anyone have any additional info on this?Bob Feldman
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Brad Karoleff wrote:

The fall issue of the John Reich Journal is beginning to show some life with a couple submissions. We do need additional articles to fill it out in time for a November publication. Please send something for inclusion. I also recently picked up a group of books from the Russell Logan library. Brenda was doing some house cleaning and has decided they need to find a new library for their home. We have decided to give JRCS members the first opportunity to purchase them. I will be listing a few each Sunday in the newsletter beginning next week for your consideration. There will be no “private” sales, all will be listed here. First response in my inbox will purchase the lot. Postage will be additional with buyers choice of USPS book rate or priority mail flat rate box. I have glanced at the contents and there are many basic die marriage manuals covering both copper and silver issues, auction catalogs from important silver sales including some deluxe editions and other titles of interest for the advanced collector. If a lot does not sell I will relist it later at a discount. This will be a unique opportunity to purchase a book for your collection from the library of one of our founders and a JRCS Hall of Fame member. Brad Karoleffbkaroleff(at)yahoo.com

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Our first contribution today includes some reminiscencing from Gawain O’Connor:

Hi Richard,

I found your note from 2005, when I signed up for the newsletter:

>You are now on the list. Thank you. I include the first issue which went out Sunday below.

>I also collect 1795 halves by variety. I lack O-101, O-118 (if it exists at all), O-123 and O-132. It's nice to meet a kindred spirit.

I see that a O-132 is coming up for auction. I'm already outbid, but thought you might like my notes on the other one -

It turns out it has been seen since 1929.

1795 O-132 (T-27) Beistle 10-C. Beistle describes this as “Exceedingly rare; the only one I have seen and believe it to be unique.” James Matthews wrote an excellent summary when the second example was discovered in July 2000. In his article, Mr. Matthews makes the case that the coin pictured in Beistles’s book is actually from the collection of Colonel Green. He assumed it could be in Eric P. Newman’s collection after that. But it did not show up in the sale of his collection. Steve Tompkins’ book provides a clue to what happened to the original coin. The B. G. Johnson (St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.) invoice to F. C. C. Boyd 1942 ($32.50) shows who purchased it.

Checking the Newman Numismatic Portal for the F.C.C. Boyd sale - It appeared again in the Numismatic Gallery (Abe Kosoff) Sale No. 31, April 14, 1945 as lot 43 with a very terse lot description and an estimate of $25 – the price realized was only $15.

Does anyone know who bought it? I see W. David Perkins has some of the bust dollar information from this sale...

Rich Uhrich followed up his contribution from last week with additional information:

In addition to the Bust Halves I posted last week, I also have three Bust Quarters in Heritage's Long Beach auction, as follows:

Lot 3550 is an 1825/4/(2) with the "E" counterstamp in NGC AU-50. As many of you know, the 1825 "E" is by far the rarest of the four 1815 and 1825 "L" and "E" counterstamps. It is a nice coin but not as nice as the ones shown at the Bust Quarter Collectors Society meeting at ANA.

(The headline coin for this week’s JR Newsletter is this “E” Quarter!)

Lot 7274 is an 1806 B-7 in PCGS Genuine. It has VF details but that is not on the holder. I owned the coin quite a while and have yet to determine why it is in a Genuine holder, as I can't see anything wrong with it.

Lot 7276 is an 1831 B-3 which is an R5 variety. It is a PCGS AU-53 with slight prooflike surface.

I have come across an interesting counter stamped coin and I am trying to find out more about it. I am surprised to find such a large denomination coin counter stamped. From what little I have found, I believe it was counter stamped post-Civil War and most likely done near Akron, Ohio. Have you encountered a counter stamp like this in your collecting experience?

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Rich Uhrich wrote:

I have consigned some half dollars at the Heritage Long Beach auction, and would like to mention them in the JR Newsletter because they are rare varieties or rare die states.

Lot 3100 is an 1806/5 O-104b which has a four-star break on the obverse and two cuds on the reverse at UN(I)TE(D). It is an R7 die state and is XF40 PCGS.

Lot 3103 is an 1823 O-113 which is a High R6 in VG8 PCGS.

Lot 3646 is an 1805 O-104a which has a four-star break on the obverse and it is a High R6 die state and is F15 PCGS.

Lot 3651 is an 1806/inverted 6 O-111'b' which has two cuds on the reverse at UN(IT)E(D) and it is an R7 die state and VF20 PCGS.

Lot 7354 is an 1805 O-112'a' which has a cud at STATES on the reverse and correspondingly weak "18" on the obverse. It is an R6 die state and VF20 PCGS and is pedigreed to the Jules Reiver Collection (Editor's Note: This coin is today's "Headline Coin" at the top of the blog)

Lot 7357 is an 1806 O-120a with an internal cud on the shield. It is an R5 die state and is VF35 PCGS.

Sunday, August 19, 2018

This is our first issue of the JR Newsletter post-ANA 2018. Readers who attended the show are likely re-adjusting to getting back home. Hoping that others share their ANA experiences in the upcoming weeks!

Garrett Ziss wrote:

The JRCS completed a video project this past week at the World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia. This group project contains important information about our club as well as an overview of each of the early U.S. silver denominations.

We hope that this outreach project will attract new members to our club. Please share this video with anyone who is interested in learning about early U.S. silver coins or in joining the JRCS.

Thanks,

Garrett Ziss

JRCS #1465

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Richard Meaney wrote:

At the JRCS membership meeting, I announced that JRCS President Bradley Karoleff had been selected to membership in the JRCS Hall of Fame. Brad is a researcher, author, and longtime editor of the JR Journal, among many other notable accomplishments and contributions to the JRCS and numismatics in general. As this announcement was a surprise to Brad, he was speechless for a moment…an R-8 moment at that!

The presentation by David Finkelstein and Chris Pilliod on the metal composition of early US silver was phenomenal! I appreciated that the information presented was the result of many YEARS of research (with more to come)!

I spent my week working at table 741, where David Perkins and Jim Matthews had a variety of coins for sale. Jim had two cases of coins, whereas David had six. We were right next to the table of Gerry Fortin and his assistant, Dan White. As you might guess, our area was pretty busy. If someone was looking for early/bust silver, seated coins, and gold, they found their way to our part of the bourse. I really enjoyed working behind the table, interacting with customers, interacting with fellow collectors, and talking about half dimes with like-minded collectors.

Nominees for JRCS Hall of Fame

Nominations for the JRCS Hall of Fame class of 2019 are now OPEN.

The membership is encouraged to send nominations for the Hall of Fame at any time. You can nominate candidates for either the veteran (those who contributed before the advent of JRCS) or the modern (those who have been members of JRCS) categories. Please include any pertinent information about the nominee that you feel necessary. Nominees will then be voted on by the HOF committee and the inductees will be announced at the annual meeting at the ANA convention in the summer. We look forward to seeing your nominations!

Please forward your nominations to bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com or to jrnewsletter(at)gmail.com or to any of the other members of the JRCS board of officers.